Unbound City: Galerie EIGEN + ART x Suburbia Contemporary Pop-Up Exhibition

Art begins with the urge to express—a mark, a gesture, a thought brought into being. First Words explores this initial moment of creation and how it evolves into a vision of the future. Focusing on the work of South African artists, the exhibition traces the journey from the first act of expression to contemporary art that challenges, reimagines, and shapes what lies ahead.

Through painting, photography, and conceptual art, First Words highlights the power of beginnings as a foundation for innovation. These artists engage with their environment, heritage, and personal narratives, transforming raw ideas into works that connect deeply with the present while reaching toward the future.

The exhibition presents art as a dynamic language—a way of thinking, seeing, and imagining the world anew. Each piece speaks to the potential of creativity not just to reflect reality but to create possibilities. In this way, First Words offers more than an exploration of expression; it reflects on art as a force for envisioning what comes next. At a time when dialogue is more important than ever, the exhibition emphasizes the need for open conversations rather than entrenched positions, inviting us to consider new possibilities through a shared perspective on art and its potential.

With branches in Berlin and Leipzig, Galerie EIGEN + ART represents more than 37 international artists working in the media of painting, film and video, photography, installation, and sculpture, as well as in the field of Concept Art and Performance.

An important interest of the gallery is to accompany the careers of artists from the beginning, long-term and continuously. This is one of the distinctive characteristics of the gallery: many of our artists have been with us since the program was launched and are still represented by us; new generations of artists have joined them.

Suburbia Contemporary's mission is to inspire and challenge visitors to explore the world of innovative creations from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Our commitment to innovation is reflected in the artists we showcase, who push the boundaries of traditional art forms with their unique and different perspectives. We strive to maintain a balanced selection of art that represents a wide range of styles and mediums, from painting to sculpture and performance. Our international collection of art is a testament to the global reach of creativity and its power to connect people across borders.